ECM Denies Rumours of Efforts to Compromise Election Secrecy

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has denied rumours circulating on social media accusing the commission of acting in a manner that compromises the secrecy of the vote.

In a statement shared with the media yesterday, the Commission said it had noted with concern the spread of false information that could undermine public confidence in its work. It described claims that it was seeking to compromise ballot secrecy as “baseless” and contrary to the truth.

“All stages of voting are organised under robust principles to ensure that the secrecy of the vote is not compromised to any extent. Officials appointed by this Commission will not instruct anyone to vote in a specific manner or for a specific party. Additionally, as per the established procedures, three ballot papers will be issued to every individual to vote as they wish,” ECM said.

The Commission said voters will receive three ballot papers for the upcoming polls, covering the Local Council Election, the Women’s Development Committee election, and a public referendum. Separate ballot boxes will be placed for each vote to ensure the integrity of the process.

Additionally, in an interview with Public Service Media (PSM), the Commission emphasised that it will not influence any citizen’s right to vote or instruct them on how to vote. The statement addressed rumours circulating on social media suggesting that the Elections Commission had taken steps that could compromise the secrecy of the election.

The statement follows comments by former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Al Suood, who alleged in a social media post that the Commission was considering issuing ballot papers selectively based on voters’ stated preferences. He later said there was no truth to the claim.

According to @ElectionsMv the information in the below post is incorrect and @ElectionsMv ensures that every person who comes for voting will be issued 3 ballot papers without asking any questions.

Thank you Zahid for the clarification! https://t.co/foRNIlTQ2V

— Husnu Al Suood (@husnusuood) March 31, 2026

Addressing the matter, Vice President of the Commission Abdul Rahman Salah Rashid said to PSM that instructing voters how to vote is not a practice of the Commission and that such rumours are false. He added that all voters will receive three ballot papers as previously decided, and that the right to vote without influence will be ensured.